Bayer 04 Leverkusen would advance to the quarter-finals of the Europa League with a win against Qarabag Agdam. The round of 16 second leg is the fourth meeting this season with the team from Azerbaijan.
Bayer 04 Leverkusen’s spectacular journey continues seamlessly. On Thursday evening (March 14, 2024), coach Xabi Alonso’s team, which is still unbeaten this season, will play the second leg of the round of 16 in the Europa League against old friends Qarabag Agdam from Azerbaijan. The Leverkusen team had previously beaten Qarabag twice in the group phase.
Thursday from 9 p.m. live: Leverkusen – Qarabag arrow right Europa League, round of 16 arrow right
In the first leg in Baku, the team fought to make it 2-2 at the last second. Now the decisive game is about moving into the next round. “We have to deliver our best performance again. It’s the knockout phase. They are a good team and they come with a good mentality,” said the Spaniard.
Josip Stanisic will most likely be part of the game. The Leverkusen defender, who is on loan from FC Bayern until the end of the season, has played his way into the team in recent weeks. “That was also because Odilon Kossounou was at the Africa Cup for a long time,” says the 23-year-old.
Only five missions
Stanisic is a good example of how well the cogs under the Bayer Cross mesh together this season. Stanisic got his chance from Alonso and took advantage of it immediately. Last year, Stanisic, who came to the Rhine from the German record champions with a reputation as a high-quality defender, initially had to get used to a reserve role. A situation that was hardly expected for him.
Leverkusen’s Schick saves the Bayer series in Qarabağ Arrow right Bayer 04 Leverkusen: No announcement before April Arrow right
In the first 15 Bundesliga games, Stanisic only made five appearances, only one of which lasted more than 45 minutes. “I came here with a different attitude. I had to get used to that. There were days when it would have been better not to talk to me. But that’s completely normal when you have such a good squad,” said Stanisic.
Incredible CV
He stuck with it and fought for playing time. And Alsonso rewarded this persistence. “We always have enough players ready. The players who were on the bench always have a big influence on the game when they are used. That’s why we are always competitive,” said Alonso. It is one of the secrets of the Werkself’s success this season.
The performance principle applies in Leverkusen, which ensures that the vast majority of players feel that they are treated fairly. The great bargaining chip of the coach and former soccer star Alonso is his own sporting resume, which is second to none: world champion, European champion, Champions League winner, German champion. The list could be continued ad nauseam.
Good preparation
This creates an impression and competence. “You know what kind of player he was. The coach knows what he’s talking about,” says Stanisic appreciatively. The realization in Leverkusen: Alonso is not fooling anyone.
Now for the Leverkusen team it’s about keeping their concentration high despite the English weeks and maintaining the high level until the end of the season if possible. “The pressure is there because we put it on ourselves,” says Stanisic. Now it’s time against Qarabag. “We are prepared. I am full of hope and good things that we will get it done,” said Stanisic.